Wish my dad was able to participate in this

(My dad is the second from the Right, tail gunner on the B17G)

United Salutes WWII Vets Traveling on 'Honor Flight'

Over a two week period, United employees at O'Hare (ORD) and Reagan National (DCA) have had the occasion to salute veterans of World War II traveling on "Honor Flights" to visit the World War II memorial in Washington, D.C.

Honor Flight is a non-profit organization that was formed to provide free flights for World War II vets to the memorial. According to Judy Lemmons, director of public relations for Honor Flight, "Sixty-five years ago the guns fell silent. For the millions who survive, there was no homecoming, they just came home, went back to work and went on with their lives. They never received the thanks they so richly deserved -- until now. The Honor Flight Network is committed to those who survived to get them to see THEIR memorial in our nation's capital. It is to their service and sacrifice it was dedicated. We honor them as we witness their humble, arthritic hands over their hearts as they salute the flag for which they so willingly served so many years ago."

Two recent flights have made connections at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, where the vets were welcomed with police and fire honor guards as well as a standing ovation from customers in the gate area. O'Hare employees from Customer Service, Ramp, Flight Operations and Onboard Service were also on hand to personally recognize and thank all the veterans making the trip to the nation's capital.

Likewise, the veterans were greeted at Washington Reagan by a cheering crowd and United employees. "When we are aware an 'Honor Flight' is inbound, we put together a team to welcome and escort them. These vets served for us and we will do all we can to recognize that service," stated Ed Dolphin, DCA general manager.

Honor Flight Network chapters have several additional trips to the memorial scheduled this year, and we are working with them to continue United's recognition of the veterans making the journey.

For more information on the Honor Flight Network, please visit

www.honorflight.org.